November 27, 2014

Some Memories Never Fade

Sean Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983.

Perhaps by fate, or maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger (seen below with QB Jim Kelly), would win their first college football National Championship by beating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.

That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami". Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to his team and its fans in his home town.

Sean grew up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title. His spectacular play would help him become the #1 ranked prep player in Miami-Dade County by the Miami Herald. Sean was so dominant at the high school level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back.

After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami. It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team.

Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle. From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team. Sean Taylor, a hometown boy had already grown to become a hometown hero and would eventually become a true legend to Canes fans in the 305 and beyond.

As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards. After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step in his carrer and would opt for the NFL draft.

He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins.

By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year. He was nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast. Taylor would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL and gained the respect of his peers at the highest level of competition.

Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool. By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl.

Then came the fateful night of November 27, 2007.Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home. In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars. He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet.

That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.

Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful. When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami. This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green.

Some memories never fade.

And even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six.

That is how Miami Hurricane fans will remember Sean Taylor.

As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable of beating the other team all by himself.

2. If Golden is leaving I'll be the most positive person in the world! I'll do cartwheels from Missouri to Nashville, hell I'll help Golden move for free!
Posted by: WWIM | November 29, 2014 at 12:59 PM

I saw that play on halftime highlights. Seemed a bit controversial too. But Sony fumbled heading in for a TD too. I'd love to see an ACC sweep today but even one-non-FSU acc win is kicking that entire conference's ass.

I thought a few pre-game statistics might be good to know before the game. Pitt is 14th in rushing averaging 253 yards per game and 5.34 yards per carry. Miami is 45th in rushing averaging 185 yards per game and 5.38 yards per carry. Pitt pounds the rock = 522 rushing attempts on the year as compared to Miami who rushed 378 times.

Miami is 32nd in rushing defense giving up 136 yards per game and 3.55 per attempt. Pitt is 61st in rushing defense giving up 159.5 yards per game and 4.42 yards per attempt.

Miami is 49th in passing offense with 247 yards per game and 8.68 yards per attempt. Pitt is 103rd in passing offense averaging 187 yards per game and 7.93 per attempt. Miami is 20th in pass efficiency and Pitt is 32nd.

Pitt is 13th in passing yards allowed averaging 183 yards per game and 6.68 yards per attempt. Miami is 19th in passing yards allowed averaging 188 yards per game and 5.91 per attempt. Miami is 21st in pass efficiency defense and Pitt is 35th. Miami is 15th in total defense while Pitt is 23rd.

Overall, this looks on paper like a closer game than most might expect..

15,800 before tax Soup....nice haul...keep rolling brother, congrats!!!! Knew you would rise to the top....cream always does. keep selling it...you make us proud!!!

Louisville and Nebraska have a better winning culture than we do. They are more ready to execute what they do. We have a more talented roster than both of those teams.

but we cannot coach it up to win against average or better teams....

Louisville just recently has gottren better thanks to CS...aggressive will turn TX around...like him...NB is fading...he sucks as a coach, players hate the jerk...losers at NB!!!

AlPa is just not the right fit. we have no power football crush you run game, we have no pro passing game, we have no aggressive D, we have no dynamic STs.....Hey if you are a Yankee from New England NJ or the north and like mediocre football.....Al's your guy!!!
If you like Perv State U football dialed down to JV level....no real run or tough D but lots of follow the process...Al is your guy...I mean he is not an old head in the sand closet Perv like JoPa......but philosophy is less skill without the perv like JoPa....

Al golden is a nice guy who wears a tie and sweats..I'd sweat too if I lead UM like he has.

We have guys go to the pros and get better...simply put, we get good players but do not develop their fundamental skills and raw talent into polished gems...NFL does it. coaching is the key to the success....we do not have it!!!

4th place is nowhere...embarrassing....Clappy Onion AlPa are satisfied to pocket millions and be average....hey thats good enough for some people...go for it.

When you finish 2nd you are the first to lose....winning isnt everything but wanting to win is the only thing...Dale Earnhardt Sr vince lombardi....champions!!!!! Clapster Onionhead AlPa.....satisfied to make millions and producing nothing!!!!! whats wrong with this pic? I hate being AVERAGE!!!! Championships mean you ar the best....I can accept nothing less than to be there in contention every year...JMO

God help Blake James the next time he pisses on our legs and tries to tell us it's raining. Anyone stupid enough to pretend this performance is acceptable deserves to be fired with Golden and D'Onofrio